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Scope and Methodology of Avian Studies for the Cape Wind Energy Project Principal Investigators:

Scope and Methodology of Avian Studies for the Cape Wind Energy Project Principal Investigators:. Paul Kerlinger Curry & Kerlinger, LLC P.O. Box 453 Cape May Point, New Jersey 08212 609-884-2842; fax 609-884-4569 pkerlinger@aol.com. Jeffrey Burm, Environmental Science Services, Inc.

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Scope and Methodology of Avian Studies for the Cape Wind Energy Project Principal Investigators:

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  1. Scope and Methodology of Avian Studies for the Cape Wind Energy Project Principal Investigators: Paul Kerlinger Curry & Kerlinger, LLC P.O. Box 453 Cape May Point, New Jersey 08212 609-884-2842; fax 609-884-4569 pkerlinger@aol.com Jeffrey Burm, Environmental Science Services, Inc. 90 Route 6A, Unit 4B Sandwich, Massachusetts 02563 508-833-6226; fax 508-833-9687 jburm@essgroup.com Jeremy J. Hatch Biology Department University of Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts 02125 617-287-6615; fax 617-287-6650 Jeremy.hatch@umb.edu

  2. Scope of WorkResults from inter-agency meetings • Study area includes all proposed alternatives within Nantucket Sound. • Determine temporal and spatial distribution of avian species. • Depict and quantify the level of seasonal migratory bird activity. • Determine life cycle variations of protected and endangered species.

  3. Research Overview • Conduct various studies utilizing several methodologies over a two-year period. • Compare results from MassWildlife mid-winter seaduck surveys, CBC, and ongoing research. • Literature review of potential avian/wind turbine interaction.

  4. ResearchTechniques • 26 systematic aerial surveys, 2001-2002. • 2 systematic boat surveys, 2002. • 60 days of avian radar surveys during 2002 spring and fall migrations.

  5. Aerial Survey Approach • Cessna –185 floatplane. • 1 pilot, 1 data collector, 2 observers. • 16 transects approximately 2 kms. between each. • 200 meter intervals on either side of the plane at about 250 ft asl. • Surveys conducted at various times of day, tides and weather.

  6. Flightlines and study areas for avian surveys within Nantucket Sound.

  7. Methodology • Pilot maintains transect, altitude, and attitude. • Observers identified species, number, activity, and time. • Data entered into a Global Position System (GPS)-Trimble Geoexplorer 3. • Data backup using audio tape recordings. • Data differentially corrected and converted into a Geographic Information System (GIS).

  8. Methodology • Pilot maintains transect, altitude, and attitude. • Observers identified species, number, activity, and time. • Data entered into a Global Position System (GPS)-Trimble Geoexplorer 3. • Data backup using audio tape recordings. • Data differentially corrected and converted into a Geographic Information System (GIS).

  9. Aerial Survey Benefits • Temporal and spatial distribution of avian species. • Presence, precise location and activity of avian species. • Establishes trends of specific species over a two-year period. • Minimal disturbance to flocks.

  10. Research Techniques • 26 systematic aerial surveys, 2001-2002. • 2 systematic boat surveys in 2002. • 60 days of avian radar surveys during spring and fall migrations, 2002.

  11. Boat Survey Approach • 40 ft. Trawler. • 1 captain, 1 data collector, 2 observers. • 16 Transects approximately 2 km between each. • Observations made at 11 ft asl out to about 200 meters on each side of the vessel.

  12. Boat Survey Benefits • Complements aerial surveys with information on specific species, activity, altitude, and flock size. • Surveys can be conducted during less favorable weather.

  13. ResearchTechniques • 26 systematic aerial surveys, 2001-2002. • 2 systematic boat surveys in 2002. • 60 days of avian radar surveys during spring and fall migrations, 2002.

  14. Spring Radar Approach • 64 ft. jack-up barge. • Positioned in the center of Nantucket Sound. • On location from May 8-June 8, 2002 • Mobile Avian Radar System (MARS) provided by Geo-Marine, Inc. • 2 radars- vertical and horizontal. • Radars run 24 hours a day.

  15. Radar Methodology • Automated data collection and storage 24 hours a day. • Data automatically ported to windows based software. • Algorithms reduce ground clutter and other radar interference. • 13 days of “ground-truthing” to validate radar bird identification.

  16. Fall Radar Approach • Located on Cape Poge, Northeast corner of Martha’s Vineyard. • At location from Sept. 3 – Oct. 3, 2002. • Mobile Avian Radar System (MARS) provided by Geo-Marine, Inc. • 2 radars- vertical and horizontal. • Radars run 24 hours a day.

  17. Radar Benefits • Depict and quantify spring and fall migrations. • Determine life cycle variations of protected and endangered specieswithin Nantucket Sound. • Collect data at night, at high altitudes and during inclement weather.

  18. Additional Research • 7 boat surveys during spring/summer/fall 2002. • 14 aerial surveys through June, 2003. • Several boat surveys through June, 2003. • Extensive literature review.

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